Why Dwayne Johnson wears this around his neck in Jumanji

Dwayne Johnson found a heartfelt way to honor Robin Williams in the upcoming Jumanji movie, revealing that his character will wear a deeply significant piece of movie history. The actor shared details about a subtle tribute that connects the new film directly to the beloved 1995 original that introduced audiences to the magical and dangerous world of the jungle adventure game.

The fourth Jumanji installment brings back Johnson alongside Jack Black, Karen Gillan and Kevin Hart, all reprising their roles from the recent franchise entries. As production moves forward on what’s being called the final chapter, the creative team found a touching method to acknowledge Williams’ legacy and his role in launching the Jumanji phenomenon nearly three decades ago.

Finding the perfect tribute

Johnson explained during a recent interview with People that he wanted to honor Williams but struggled initially to determine the right approach. The solution came from an unexpected source when costume designer Laura Jean Shannon proposed an idea that would seamlessly blend nostalgia with storytelling. She suggested tracking down the original dice from the 1995 film, the iconic props that played such a central role in Williams’ character’s journey.

The dice now appear as part of Johnson’s costume, worn on a necklace around his character’s neck throughout the new movie. Johnson shared the tribute with fans through a November Instagram post as production began, writing a simple but heartfelt message dedicated to Williams. The necklace has also been visible in various set photos released throughout filming, giving audiences a preview of how the homage appears on screen.

Marking a significant anniversary

The timing of production proved especially meaningful, as filming coincided with the 30th anniversary of the original Jumanji release. Johnson took the opportunity to share a video message from the set, reflecting on Williams’ impact and the legacy he created. The actor acknowledged how Williams introduced the world to Jumanji three decades earlier, paving the way for the franchise to continue and evolve.

In his anniversary tribute, Johnson expressed gratitude for Williams and the original cast and filmmakers who established the foundation that allowed the newer movies to exist. He described the anniversary as a cool and special day on set, one that gave the current production team a chance to properly honor those who came before them while carrying on the Jumanji tradition.

One last adventure with meaning

Johnson specifically noted that wearing the original dice represents his personal way of showing respect to Williams as his character embarks on one final adventure. The choice adds layers of meaning to the new film, creating a tangible connection between the 1995 movie that started everything and the conclusion of the current franchise run. Rather than simply mentioning Williams or including a quick visual reference, the dice serve as a constant presence throughout Johnson’s performance.

The original Jumanji told the story of Alan Parrish, played by Williams, who became trapped inside the magical board game as a child and emerged decades later when new players rolled the dice. The game’s dice represented both danger and possibility, driving the plot forward with each roll and determining the challenges characters faced. By incorporating those same dice into the new movie, Johnson ensures that Williams’ presence remains felt even though he cannot be part of the production.

Building on franchise success

The Jumanji franchise found new life when it was reimagined starting in 2017, shifting from a board game premise to a video game concept that allowed for fresh storytelling possibilities. Johnson, Black, Gillan and Hart formed a chemistry that resonated with audiences, leading to successful sequels that honored the original while establishing their own identity. The upcoming film marks the end of this chapter in the franchise’s evolution.

Williams passed away in 2014, years before the franchise reboot began production. His influence on the original film and his beloved status in Hollywood made any new Jumanji project feel incomplete without some acknowledgment of his contribution. The creative team behind the newer movies has consistently expressed reverence for what Williams created, but the dice necklace represents the most direct and personal tribute yet.

A costume designer’s vision

Laura Jean Shannon’s suggestion to locate and use the original dice demonstrates the thoughtfulness that costume designers bring to their craft. Rather than simply recreating similar props or suggesting a generic tribute, she recognized that authentic artifacts from the first film would carry genuine emotional weight. The effort required to track down props from a movie made 30 years ago shows the commitment to making this tribute meaningful.

Costume choices in films often carry symbolic meaning beyond their practical function, and Shannon’s work on this particular detail exemplifies that principle. The dice aren’t just decorative elements of Johnson’s costume but storytelling devices that link past and present, honoring a legacy while propelling the narrative forward.

Christmas 2026 release

Fans will need to wait until Christmas 2026 to see the completed tribute and the final Jumanji adventure. The holiday release date follows the pattern established by previous franchise entries, positioning the movie as family entertainment during the season when audiences gather together. The long production timeline allows for the kind of detailed work that makes tributes like the dice necklace possible.

As Johnson and his castmates work through production, the presence of those original dice serves as a daily reminder of the foundation Williams built. Every scene featuring the necklace becomes not just part of the story being told but a moment of connection to the actor who made audiences believe in the magic and danger of Jumanji three decades ago.